Writing a New Test

Question Modes

There are 17 different testing modes supported by the upgraded WebTesting system. They fall into three basic catagories: ``math-type'', ``multiple-choice-type'' and ``neither of these two.''

There are LaTeX macros for assistance in writing tests for certain modes (including all the math modes). Information on this package is available at http://www.math.unl.edu/webtests/support/latex2webtest.

``Math-type'' Modes

Formula Sets a question that expects a formula to be typed in as an answer. The answer field holds a formula for the correct answer, and the grading routine checks that the given response evaluates to the same formula. It accepts a formula (possibly a constant number, or simple arithmetic expression). It does not accept equations (i.e. ``y=3x+2'').
Formula Mod C This mode operates in the same way as the Formula mode, except that it allows the given answer to differ by a constant value from the answer in the database. This mode is useful for questions on integration.
Restricted Formula This mode also operates similarly to the Formula mode. However, only arithmetic (+,-,*,/), exponentiation (^) and the sqrt function may be used in formulas. This mode is designed in order to ask questions like ``What is sin(Pi/4)?'' So that the answer 1/sqrt(2) is acceptable, but ``sin(Pi/4)'' is not.
Equation Accepts an equation (e.g. y+3 = 4(x-1)). The answer provided in the test bank must be a ``simple eqation'' (i.e. one side of the equation is a single variable with nothing else [e.g. y=(4x-1)-3 and x=1+(y+3)/4 would both be acceptable]). This restriction does not apply to the equations the student gives as his/her response.
Multi Formula Accepts a list of formulas or numbers, separated by semicolons. The order of the formulas does not matter. Thus, to give the solutions of x^2+x-1, the student can write either
   (-1 + sqrt(5))/2 ; (-1 - sqrt(5))/2
or
   (-1 - sqrt(5))/2 ; (-1 + sqrt(5))/2
Ntuple Accepts an ordered list of formulas or numbers within parentheses separated by commas. The order of the formulas must be the same as in the correct answer. This mode should be used for questions dealing with points in space, etc.
Formula List In a function, this is the same as the Ntuple mode. The only difference is that students get a slightly differently worded explanation of how they should enter their answers, that emphasizes the terms as elements of a list, not as coordinates of a point.
Plain Number This mode accepts a number (possibly in scientific notation). It does not allow arithmetic to be used (except for scientific notation) e.g. 5*10^5 is acceptable, 3+4 is not.
Dimensioned Number The Dimensioned Number mode accepts numbers and formulas, possibly including dimensions. It is able to recognize the equivalence of many standard units (cm and meters, kg and g, etc.).

``Multiple-choice-type'' Modes

Multiple Choice Sets a multiple choice question. Multiple choice questions must have an answer field and a number of choice fields set. In this mode there can be only one correct answer.
Non Permuting Multiple Choice This is the same as regular Multiple Choice mode , but the order of the choices are not changed each time the question is set.
Multiple Selection Similar to the Multiple Choice mode, but the student must select all the true responses from a list (which may be more than one, or none).
Non Permuting Multiple Selection This is the same as the regular Multiple Selection mode, but the order of the choices is not changed each time the question is set.

Other Modes

Complete Sentence In this mode students fill in blanks in the question by selecting the appropriate terms from drop-down boxes.
Matching Match a list of terms with their corresponding attributes.